Medical Billing and Coding Program
415 Clock Hours/ 22 Weeks
The student will learn the basic features of Windows basics and Microsoft Office. The
student will develop familiarity with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, email, and Internet basics. Upon graduating from the Medical Billing program provides students with the skills necessary to function as Medical Billers, Medical Billing Clerks, Medical Billing Coders, Medical Billing Specialists, Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, Medical Coders, Medical Coding Specialists, Medical Insurance Billers, Medical Insurance Clerks, Medical Insurance Coders, Medical Reimbursement Specialists or Medical Voucher Clerks. Today, there are many demands for coding specialists and accurately coded data from the medical record in all types of health care institutions. Coded data are used on claims for reimbursement, patient care management, and healthcare evaluation and research. The curriculum
includes medical terminology, human anatomy, computer skills and CPT and ICD coding. (SOC Cod:
43-3011 Bill and Account Collectors, and 43-3021 Billing and Posting Clerks)
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Use Windows 8 and manage files
- Explore Microsoft Essentials
- Create, Edit, and Format documents using Word
- Enhance a document with Special features
- Create, Edit, and Format worksheets using Excel
- Working with functions, charts, tables and page layout options in Excel
- Create, Edit, and Format presentations using PowerPoint
- Enhance a presentation with pictures, sound, video, and Animation effects
- Create a table, form, and report in Access
- Label the human body systems
- Know the anatomy and physiology of body systems
- Distinguish between common illnesses associated with these systems
- Know the structure of the medical field
- Understand medical laws and ethics
- Understand health information management
- Understand the principles of medical billing and coding practices
- Demonstrate the ability to manage insurance and patient payments for medical services.
|
Class Title |
Lecture Hours |
Lab Hours |
Practicum Hours |
Instructional Hours |
|
Microsoft Office and Windows 10 |
60 |
30 |
90 |
|
|
Medical Terminology |
45 |
15 |
60 |
|
|
Medical Coding |
45 |
15 |
60 |
|
|
Medical Transcription |
45 |
30 |
75 |
|
|
Medical Billing |
60 |
30 |
90 |
|
|
Externship |
40 |
40 |
||
|
Total |
255 |
120 |
40 |
415 |
| Program Title | STRF Fee | Registration Fee | Book(s) & Supplies | Tuition | Total Tuition |
| Medical Billing | $0.00 | $175.00 | $1925.00 | $16600.00 | $18700.00 |
What is Medical Billing?
Health insurance companies need medical billing as a process of following and submitting claims in order to receive funds for providing services according to healthcare provider. Billing claim is a translated healthcare service made with medical billing. After the performed work, claim being followed with medical biller to ensure reimbursement.
Is Medical Coding the Same as Medical Billing?
No. The main responsibility of a medical coder is to review clinical statements and assign standard codes using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II classification systems. Medical billers, on the other hand, process and follow up on claims sent to health insurance companies for reimbursement of services rendered by a healthcare provider. The medical coder and medical biller may be the same person or may work with each other to ensure invoices are paid properly.
What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?
Medical billing and coding specialists are largely responsible for making sure medical office revenue cycles run smoothly. When a service is performed, a medical coder assigns codes to the services rendered. The diagnoses and procedure codes are taken from medical record documentation, such as transcription of physician’s notes, laboratory and radiologic results, etc. Although a medical biller’s duties vary with the size of the work facility, the biller typically assembles all data concerning the bill. This can include charge entry, claims transmission, payment posting, insurance follow-up, and patient follow-up. Medical billers regularly communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information. The medical biller must understand how to read the medical record and, like the medical coder, be familiar with CPT®, HCPCS Level II and ICD-10-CM codes.
How Much Do Medical Billers Earn?
A medical biller’s earning potential varies depending on where they live, work, how much they work, education, certifications, and their experience. AAPC conducts an annual salary survey where you can learn more about medical coding salary trends. The average AAPC medical biller earns over $61,000 annually.
What is the Occupational Outlook for Medical Billers?
The 2012-2013 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, estimated industry employment is projected to grow by 21% by 2020. In addition, they project high demand for coding services as the healthcare industry continues to grow and the country’s population ages in addition to the increasing number of tests, treatments, and procedures.
How Do I Become a Medical Biller?
AAPC, the largest medical coding and billing training and certification association in the world provides the flexible training options to become a medical biller. The training provides the most up-to-date information relating to the health insurance industry and different reimbursement methodologies for correct claim submission. Successful completion of AAPC training prepares you to sit for the certified professional biller (CPB) exam and work in a medical billing department at a physician’s office, clinic, facility, other healthcare entity, or as a claims examiner for insurance carriers. Prepare for your certification and career in medical billing today!
Why Get Trained with AAPC?
AAPC provides industry leading training and certification and is recognized as the largest association representing medical coders, billers, auditors, compliance, and practice managers. AAPC certification is considered to be the gold standard in the industry. AAPC provides the largest peer-network for medical coding and billing with over 200,000 members worldwide.
Why is Medical Billing Training and Certification Important?
The financial health of a practice largely depends on the performance of the billing office. Increasing demands on providers with decreasing reimbursement requires healthcare offices to have highly skilled medical billers. Understanding of medical insurance, the claims process, the appeals process, and the impact on the practice’s revenue gives the medical biller the tools to successfully optimize and maximize a practice’s revenue performance.
Skills of a Medical Biller
- Navigate through various insurance rules and regulations to reduce A/R days
- Understand the nuances of various types of insurance carriers along with their claim requirements
- Provide successful follow-up efforts for A/R including the appeals process for denied claims
- Implement best practices for insurance and patient collections while maintaining excellent public relations
- Reduce risk by understanding Fair Debt collection practices, professional courtesy regulations, clean claims and timely filing guidelines, refund requirements, and other regulations
- Use data and reports as indicators for potential improvement areas